Jenin – In cooperation with the Legal Clinic at the Arab American University (AAU), the Coalition for Accountability and Integrity (AMAN) organised a training workshop for AAU law students. The event was tailored to raise students’ awareness of the integrity and anti-corruption system in Palestine.
In his opening remarks, Abu Bakr Qurt, Raising Awareness and Outreach Coordinator, AMAN, made an overview of AMAN’s efforts to raise awareness about, and promote interventions against, corruption. AMAN has established strategic partnerships with a variety of effective institutions to ensure an concerted effort towards the common goal of a corruption free society. Qurt also highlighted the AMAN 2022 award for the best research paper on issues of integrity and fight against corruption. On an annual basis, AMAN organises this competition for university students and young researchers. Qurt called researchers and interested students to apply for the award with a view to dedicating collective efforts against corruption.
Mr. Ibrahim Yihya, Director of the AAU Legal Clinic, stressed the importance of bridging the gap between theory and practice as well as enhancing and linking university student skills to real life applications. Yihya asserted that the AAU Legal Clinic “looks forward to further cooperation with AMAN with a view to promoting legal awareness of the values of integrity, transparency, and accountability among students.” These would be able to play their roles as corruption fighters in their future legal and professional positions.
Participants received a comprehensive training on the concept, forms, causes, and consequences of corruption. A presentation addressed fight against corruption within an international framework, including the United Nations Convention against Corruption. A review introduced law students to the Penal Law and Anti-Corruption Law. In addition to exploring the values of integrity, transparency and accountability, the training highlighted institutional roles in the fight against corruption, through the parliament, Palestinian Anti-Corruption Commission, and State Audit and Administrative Control Bureau,. A thorough introduction covered whistleblowing, complaint handling, protection of witnesses, regulation of gifts, and avoidance of conflicts of interest.
